Police admit defeat in speeding case

Police have admitted defeat in the case of a Hastings motorist who was fined for driving at 66km/h in a 50km/h zone after a speed limit sign had been spun around.


Heretaunga Intermediate School teacher Kim Whittington, 49, has had his $120 fine refunded.

The move followed pressure from Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule after Hastings District Council traffic engineer Simon Robson admitted that a 50km/h sign had been turned to face away from the road.

Another sign on the western stretch of the road indicated that the speed limit was 70km/h.

Sergeant Corey Ubels, who imposed the fine on January 25, said he had read in the Hawke's Bay Today newspaper that someone had turned the sign around.

"I can't confirm that this is what happened in this instance, however, I cannot discard it either, so I am going to have to concede defeat on this one," Mr Ubels said in a report. He was not available for comment yesterday.

Mr Whittington claimed he was not able to discuss the sign with Mr Ubels because the officer was too busy clocking other motorists.

"I did not get much of a chance to tell him anything," Mr Whittington said. "It was best to keep my mouth shut and calm down."

He said he had received plenty of public support following his fine, which his wife, Fiona, paid before he could write a letter of protest to the police.

"It's worth fighting these things if you are in the right," he said.

- NZPA